Hosea 7:7-10

Israel did not call on God -- Hosea 7:7-10: The sins and iniquities of the people were so widespread that they engulfed judges and other leading men in society. Sin was popular and Israel did not call on God. The cause of Israel's spiritual downfall was clearly stated in the words, "Ephraim, he hath mixed himself among the people." (Hosea 7:8) Mixing with the heathen people or being a "cake not turned" made it very difficult for Israel to maintain their relationship with God. Both of these figures pictures one that is unfit for God's use.

One of the saddest things about Israel's fallen spiritual state was that the nation seemed completely unaware of their condition. "Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knoweth it not: yea, gray hairs are here and there upon him, yet he knoweth not." (Hosea 7:9) At first a man cannot see the gray hairs scattered here and there on his head, neither did Israel realize the evil that had crept into their national and spiritual lives. By mixing with strangers and accepting their idolatry Israel had lost the strength and help of God. Their time was short and they did not know it. Their hair was turning gray (their time was short) and they could not even see it. "And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the LORD their God, nor seek him for all this." (Hosea 7:10) They would not seek the Lord for help. How sad!